My 10yo daughter has suspected autism (this was the view of psychiatrist who was assessing her for ADHD this week, so we're planning to get ASD assessment done next)
I don't know much about it (yet) but the main characteristics for her are issue's with peer interactions (she had to move schools at age 7 due to bullying & has lots of ups & downs with other kids & issues making or at least keeping friendships)
She's also VERY sensitive to loud noises and loves order and routine & certain rituals.
She's got a school trip coming up in a week & in light of this potential diagnosis I'm feeling unsure of whether she should go. We were a bit anxious about it anyway (that is, before the recent mention of autism) but she said she wanted to go (although with certain reservations & worries) and I felt it could be good for her independence, as well as not missing out on the fun the other kids in her year would be having.
I've spoken to the head of pastoral care at her school and made him aware & he said in these circumstances, a child could go as long as the parent was ok with it & he's going to speak with her about any concerns and also explain to her exactly what to expect during the trip as well as accommodate any specific requirements.
But as this is all so new to me, I just don't know if it's the right thing or not for her to go... I know no one is going to know my child like I do, but I know very little about autism (I will learn as much as possible now though!) so I just don't know what's the right course of action. And the trip is coming up so soon, it doesn't really give me much time to learn enough to make a properly informed decision.
Any advice or insight would be appreciated, thank you.
